Approach
Building on its experience from previous irrigation and drainage projects in Albania, the World Bank involved a wide range of stakeholders in the design and implementation of the projects to ensure success.
To renovate infrastructure, the project financed the rehabilitation and modernization of dams and irrigation systems, as well as feasibility and design studies of these projects. It also focused on building capacity to maintain and supervise upgraded works, as well as creating a national strategy and standards for irrigation and drainage.
The other major component of the project intervention was institutional support for integrated water resources management. The project supported the development of a national strategy, two river basin management plans and a national water source database to more closely align Albania with the Water Framework Directive of the EU, help it use its water resources more efficiently and give it greater resilience to climate change. impacts of climate change.
Results
The project improved irrigation services for nearly 48,000 water users, including 13,715 women. At the end of the project, net family incomes of beneficiary farmers increased by approximately 35-63% on average.. Each of the 54 farmers interviewed at the end of the project expressed satisfaction and highlighted the increase in water security and reliability during the dry season.. The project achieved this improved service through infrastructure rehabilitation and capacity building. Additionally, the project contributed to the following results:
- Area of 40,000 hectares benefiting from improved irrigation and drainage
- 13 dams rehabilitated to meet international dam safety standards and reduce the risk of severe flooding.
- Irrigation and drainage management information system established for 35 agriculturally intensive municipalities.
- National Irrigation and Drainage Strategy approved by the Council of Ministers on May 22, 2019.
The project also contributed to the approval of the National Strategy for Integrated Water Resources Management (NSIWRM) by the Albanian government in 2018, as well as two river basin management plans, both approved in 2020. The NSIWRM defines a clear vision for the integrated management of water resources in Albania. Albania and presents a long-term strategy for the sustainable management and development of water resources. The NSIWRM strategic planning process strengthened the capacity and commitment of participating agencies and stakeholders in integrated water resources management. Through project support to the NSIWRM and River Basin Management Plans, Albania has made significant progress towards meeting the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
Bank Group Contribution
The total cost of the project was $66.11 million. This funding came from two IBRD loans ($26 million and $35.8 million) and a $4.29 million grant from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency trust fund for institutional support for integrated water resources management.
The partners
For the project, the World Bank partnered with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, which financed the institutional strengthening of the water resources management component of the project.
The project involved working with a range of Albanian government partners, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (the implementing agency), the Water Resources Management Agency and the Office of river basin administration. Additionally, the project involved working directly with municipalities on irrigation and development, thereby strengthening their capacities after the government transferred responsibility for this area from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to local governments over of the project.
Looking forward
Building on its satisfaction with the project, the Albanian government is already seeking EU or other bilateral assistance to help it implement the new basin strategy and plans. It launched a follow-up project funded by the World Bank, the Albania Climate Resilience and Agricultural Development Project (P178715). He also requested continued support from the World Bank to seek a grant from the Western Balkans Investment Fund for pre-feasibility studies for 431 dams and associated irrigation networks.
The EU-aligned integrated water resources management principles that guided the project have placed Albania in a privileged position to advance its EU accession process. With budgetary support from the EU and the Austrian government, the Water Resources Management Agency is working to obtain approval of a comprehensive legal package reflecting these principles.